One of the most common is hypothyroidism , in which the thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism can affect the health of the blood vessels, which may slow the heart rate. People with hypothyroidism may also have a high diastolic blood pressure — a diastolic measurement identifies the pressure in the arteries between heartbeats, and is the bottom number on a blood test reading.
A person has a high diastolic blood pressure if the test shows a reading above Thyroid disorders are common and may affect young and otherwise healthy people.
Between 4 and 10 percent of people in the United States have hypothyroidism. Some medications , including medications for heart disease and high blood pressure, may lower heart rate. Beta-blockers , which doctors prescribe for a rapid heart rate and some other heart conditions, may also slow heart rate. Doctors use the term hypoxia when the body cannot get enough oxygen, which may slow down the heart rate.
Hypoxia is a medical emergency, and it can occur when a person is choking or having a severe asthma attack. Chronic medical conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, may also cause hypoxia.
A person should speak to a doctor if they notice their heart rate is slow. Adults and children who have a low pulse and experience severe symptoms, such as chest pain or fainting, should also go to the hospital.
A doctor may not always need to treat a slow heart rate. However, when a slow heart rate causes serious health problems or when heart disease slows the heart, it is essential that people receive treatment. An artificial pacemaker, which is an electrical device that a doctor inserts into the heart to promote regular rhythms, can help. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U. It is crucial that a person takes any changes in heart health, blood pressure, or pulse seriously.
However, a slow heart rate is not always a reason for concern. In many cases, a slow heart rate is merely a variation of normal.
It may even be a sign of heart health and indicate good levels of fitness. People should see a doctor for guidance and reassurance. Read the article in Spanish. QT prolongation occurs when the heart takes longer to contract and relax than it usually does.
Learn more about the effects of QT prolongation here. Dysrhythmia and arrhythmia are both terms doctors use to describe an abnormal heart rate. Types include bradyarrhythmia or supraventricular arrhythmia. Ventricular tachycardia VT causes the heart to beat at a rate of over beats per minute. VT causes include underlying heart disease. Having bradycardia say "bray-dee-KAR-dee-uh" means that your heart beats very slowly. For most people, a heart rate of 60 to beats a minute while at rest is considered normal.
If your heart beats less than 60 times a minute, it is slower than normal. A slow heart rate can be normal and healthy. Or it could be a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system.
For some people, a slow heart rate does not cause any problems. It can be a sign of being very fit. Healthy young adults and athletes often have heart rates of less than 60 beats a minute. In other people, bradycardia is a sign of a problem with the heart's electrical system. It means that the heart's natural pacemaker isn't working right or that the electrical pathways of the heart are disrupted.
Sometimes the heart beats so slowly that it doesn't pump enough blood to meet the body's needs. This can cause symptoms, such as feeling dizzy or weak. In some cases, it can be life-threatening. Bradycardia can be caused by many things. Examples include:. Some people don't have symptoms, or their symptoms are so mild that they think they are just part of getting older.
You can find out how fast your heart is beating by taking your pulse. If your heartbeat is slow or uneven, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may take your pulse to diagnose bradycardia. Your doctor might also do a physical examination, ask questions about your past health, and do an electrocardiogram EKG or ECG. An EKG measures the electrical signals that control heart rhythm.
Bradycardia often comes and goes, so a standard EKG done in the doctor's office may not find it. An EKG can identify bradycardia only if you are actually having it during the test.
You may need to wear or carry a device called a portable, or ambulatory, electrocardiogram. Examples include a Holter monitor and a cardiac event monitor. You might use it for a day or more. It records your heart rhythm while you go about your daily routine. You may also have blood tests to find out if another problem is causing your slow heart rate. How bradycardia is treated depends on what is causing it. Treatment also depends on the symptoms.
If bradycardia doesn't cause symptoms, it may not be treated. Bradycardia Slow Heart Rate. Medically reviewed by Gerhard Whitworth, R. Normal heart rates Emergency symptoms Causes Treatment What is a slow heart rate?
Understanding your heart rate by the numbers. Recognizing a potential emergency situation. Potential underlying causes of bradycardia. Treating the cause of bradycardia. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M. Medically reviewed by Angela M. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. When Is Arrhythmia Deadly?
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